‘Weed blaster’ technology aims to boost organic farming

Researchers at the University of Illinois are blasting away at noxious weeds.

Fields test are expected to begin this summer of Star Wars sounding “weed blaster” technology that fires, concentrated organic grit from a high-pressure nozzle at Mach 1 — more than 760 mph — to obliterate vulnerable weed seedlings. Early field tests of hand-held air compressors used in conjunction with traditional control methods reduced weed waste in vegetable plots by 67 to 97 percent, according to early results.

“It’s another non-chemical, weed-management approach,” said Sam Wortman, a researcher on the project and an assistant professor at U of I. “We’re looking at some of the higher-value vegetable crops.”